Pope Urban II

Go forth, therefore, and cleanse the Holy Sepulchre from the wicked race.

Let the aged and the infirm remain at home, but let the young and strong go forth.

We absolve all who undertake this journey from all penance for their sins.

The time has now come when you should show your zeal for Christ.

Let no one, on account of his love for his wife or children, hesitate to set out.

We grant to all who undertake this expedition a plenary indulgence.

The holy city of Jerusalem is now held captive by the enemies of God.

Let the cross be your guide and your banner.

For your brethren who live in the East are in urgent need of your help... the Turks and Arabs have attacked them.

This land which you inhabit is too narrow for your large population... The land is as it were your prison.

Let those who have been accustomed to make private war against the faithful carry on an approved war against the infidels.

This I grant to all who go, by virtue of the great authority with which I am invested by God.

Oh, what a disgrace if such a despised and base race, which worships demons, should conquer a people which has the faith of omnipotent God and has been made glorious with the name of Christ!

Let the Holy Sepulchre of the Lord our Saviour, which is possessed by unclean nations, incite you to action.

Jerusalem is the navel of the world; the land is fruitful above all others, like another paradise of delights.

The royal city, situated at the center of the world, is now held captive by His enemies, and is enslaved by peoples who do not know God.

Undertake this journey for the remission of your sins, with the assurance of the imperishable glory of the kingdom of heaven.

When you have decided to go, you must publicly make your vow and dedicate yourselves to God.

You will wear the sign of the cross on your garments, as a pledge of your immovable vow, and you will wear it until you return.

Let no one who is rich hold back, and let no poor man hesitate, for God will be his guide and provider.