Pope Urban II, Reformer of the Church and the Pope of the Crusades

Catholicscope - Pope Urban II has the original name of Eudes de Lagery or Ottoni in Lagery. He was born in Châtillon-sur-Marne, Champagne, France in 1042. Because of this, he is often also called Ottoni in Lagery in Châtillon-sur-Marne.

He came from a French noble family and got a good education. He was educated in Reims, France. Later he assumed the duties as a deacon and an expert in Church Law in Reims.

In 1070, Eudes entered the Cluni Monastery. He made his vows as monks of the Order of St Benedict (OSB). Then he was sent to Rome to serve Pope Gregory VII, as assistant to the Pope.

The Pope was impressed with Eudes and raised him to Cardinal-Bishop Ostia. In fact he was appointed as Chief Counselor and Assistant of the Holy See. Then the Pope assigned him as the Apostolic Delegate in France and Germany (1082-1085).

The proximity and loyalty of Eudes to the Holy See makes it a strong candidate for the Pope. But after returning from Germany to Rome, the new Pope has reigned. Cardinal-Imam of St. Caecilia, Desiderius, who included a close circle of Pope Gregory VII was elected pope by the name of Viktor III (1085- 1088).

Pope Viktor III was soon on the throne, he died. Cardinals and bishops gathered to elect a new Pope. Eudes was elected Pope on 12 March 1088.

Eudes chose the name Urban II. He continued his reform policy by Pope Gregory VII. During his pontificate, Pope Urban II sought to address the ecclesiastical discipline, both among clergy and laymen. He went around to hold a synod.

He also fought to establish the authority of the Holy See by excommunication and expulsion of Clement III antiphas.

Aside from being a Church reformer, Pope Urban II is also known as the Pope of the Crusades. Pope Urbanus II's decision on the Crusade won the support of bishops, nobles, and the public.

Thousands of nobles and knights flocked to the resolve to fight Jerusalem and its surroundings from Turkish troops.

Pope Urban II rekindled the spirit of the crusading army. He also traveled from city to city to call for war. To mobilize troops, he sent the bishops of letters. The First Crusade waves occurred in 1096-1099.

Pope Urban II died on July 29, 1099. Every date of his death, the people of Rome recalled and respected him. On July 14, 1881, Pope Urban II was beatified after his beatifying process was authorized by Pope Leo XIII.