The pope called for a crusade primarily to free Jerusalem from the Turks. This was the main motivation behind the First Crusade, initiated by Pope Urban II in 1095. He aimed to reclaim the Holy Land for Christendom and protect Christian pilgrims visiting Jerusalem, which had come under Muslim control. While other motivations, such as establishing influence and a stronger role for the Roman Catholic Church, were also factors, the direct call to action was centered on the liberation of Jerusalem and the surrounding territories from Muslim rule.
Why did the pope call for a crusade?
• to establish trading empires in the Middle East
• to free Jerusalem from the Turks
• to convert Muslims to Christianity
• to establish a new base for the Roman Catholic Church
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