In today's world, Crusade indulgence has become a topic of great relevance and interest to many people in different fields. Whether due to its impact on society, its implications in daily life or its significance in history, Crusade indulgence is a topic that deserves to be analyzed and discussed in depth. From its origins to its impact today, Crusade indulgence has aroused the interest of academics, experts, and the general public, which is why it is essential to explore its different edges and dimensions. In this article, we will delve into the exciting world of Crusade indulgence, to learn in detail about its characteristics, challenges and opportunities, with the aim of expanding our knowledge and understanding of this fascinating topic.
Forgiveness of sin in return for support for Christian Holy War
In the history of the Catholic Church, a crusade indulgence was any indulgence—remission from the penalties imposed by penance—granted to a person who participated in an ecclesiastically sanctioned crusade.[1][2] It had its origins in the Council of Clermont that closed on 27 November 1095. According to Lambert of Arras, who was present, the council decreed that, "Whoever for devotion alone, not to gain honour or money, goes to Jerusalem to liberate the Church of God can substitute this journey for all penance."[3] This marked the start of the First Crusade. Later popes and councils often invoked "the same remission as instituted by Pope Urban at the council at Clermont."[3] The connection to the liberation of Jerusalem was later weakened and the same or similar indulgence offered to participants in the Northern Crusades and the Albigensian Crusade.[4]