In 1095, Pоpe Urbаn II cаlled fоr а hоly Crusade to recapture the Holy Land: "...Your brethren who live in the (Middle) East are in urgent need of your help. For, as most of you have heard, the Turks and the Arabs have attacked them and conquered the territory of those Christians... They have killed and captured many, and have destroyed the churches and devastated the Empire... All who die, whether by land or sea, or in battle against the pagans, shall have immediate remission of sins. Let the deeds of your ancestors move you and incite your minds to manly achievements; the glory and greatness of king Charles the Great (Charlemagne), and of his son Louis, and of your other kings, who have destroyed the kingdoms of the pagans, and have extended the territory of the holy church. Let the holy sepulchre of the Lord our Saviour, which is possessed by unclean nations, especially incite you. Oh, most valiant soldiers and descendants of invincible ancestors, be not degenerate, but recall the valor of your progenitors."_________________________________________________________________________________ The Roman Catholic Church in the Middle Ages was seen as a link between God and the people. The idea that clergy were the so-called ‘gatekeepers to heaven’, filled people with respect, awe, and fear. The Church was extremely wealthy. Many levels of society supported the church, most commonly in the form of a tithe, a tax that amounted to roughly 10% of their earnings. In return for this, believers were guaranteed the way to everlasting life and happiness after lives that were often short and hard. The Church was one of the main distributors of charity at the time, running hospitals, as well as housing travelers and providing places of shelter and sanctuary. Church was attended by all, sometimes everyday, and vast monasteries and convents were built to celebrate Christian beliefs. Monasteries often had schools attached, and their libraries were widely regarded as some of the best. Members of the clergy were offered the chance to learn to read and write: a rare opportunity in Medieval society. Then as now, education was a key factor in the limited social mobility offered at the time. QUESTIONS: 1. How did the Pope motivate knights to join the crusade in his speech? 2.. What services did the church provide for medieval people? 3. How did this impact the spread of Christianity? Your answer must be in your own words and supported by specific information from the reading. Your answer must be a minimum of 75 words.