Corrupt and best known for initiating the First Crusade (1096–99), the ramifications still with us today. Urban II decreed that: “All who die by the way, whether by land or by sea, or in battle against the pagans, shall have immediate remission of sins. This I grant them through the power of God with which I am invested.” By giving every murderer, rapist and thief a last ditch chance at entering the kingdom of God, he guaranteed a sizeable army that would be ready and willing to invade the holy land, Urban II had some serious oratory skills. With people skills the size of walnuts Pope Urban II had priests wives sold into slavery and any children brought into or into these relationships were abandoned, warm fuzzy all around great guy.