What were the series of religious wars initiated by Pope Urban II in response to calls for pilgrimage to holy sites?

The series of religious wars initiated by Pope Urban II in response to growing calls for pilgrimage to holy sites are known as the Crusades. During the late 11th century, Pope Urban II called for these military campaigns aimed primarily at reclaiming Jerusalem and other holy places in the Middle East that had fallen under Muslim control. The Crusades were not just about capturing land; they also had a significant spiritual component, as they were framed as a way to aid fellow Christians and secure safe passage for pilgrims. This movement mobilized thousands of individuals, often with the promise of spiritual rewards and remission of sins for those who participated. The historical impact of the Crusades was profound, influencing relations between different cultures and religions, and setting the stage for various geopolitical dynamics in the centuries that followed.