Blessed Pope Urban II

Life story

Eudes (Odo) of Châtillon was born around 1035 to 1042 at Châtillon-sur-Marne (Lagery) in Champagne; the year is only an estimate. He studied at Reims under Bruno, became a canon and archdeacon there, and around 1070 became a monk at Cluny, where he held the office of prior. Around 1080 Pope Gregory VII made him cardinal-bishop of Ostia.

He was pope from 12 March 1088 to 29 July 1099. On 27 November 1095, at the Council of Clermont, he preached a public sermon that many historians regard as the trigger of the First Crusade. No transcript survives; the five surviving accounts were written later and differ widely.

Historians still debate his motives, which may have included reuniting East and West, strengthening his own position against the antipope Clement III, or responding to Seljuk expansion. It is also disputed whether the cry God wills it was established at the council or coined afterwards.

The First Crusade took place from 1096 to 1099. Urban died in Rome on 29 July 1099, about two weeks after the fall of Jerusalem and before the news reached Italy. Pope Leo XIII confirmed his cult as Blessed in July 1881.

Works and witness

• Studied at Reims and became prior at Cluny
• Cardinal-bishop of Ostia from about 1080
• Pope from 1088 to 1099
• Preached at the Council of Clermont on 27 November 1095
• Beatified in July 1881

Saints from the same country

Saint Bernard of Clairvaux, Saint Louis IX of France, Saint Joan of Arc, Saint Francis de Sales

References

• Catholic Encyclopedia, "Pope Bl. Urban II" (newadvent.org/cathen/15210a.htm)
• Catholic Encyclopedia, "Reims" (newadvent.org/cathen/12725a.htm)

Written by Anawim from documented history. Some details about ancient saints rest on tradition and are marked as such.