Final answer:
Pope Urban II promised indulgences, forgiveness of sins, and a guaranteed place in heaven to those who took up arms in the Crusades. Participants were also granted privileges like protection of property and relief from taxes. Although material gains were also a factor, the central promise was the spiritual reward.
Step-by-step explanation:
The call for the Crusade by Pope Urban II involved promises of spiritual rewards for those who participated. Among the promises given to those who answered the call for the Crusade was the offer of indulgences, a concept in Catholicism that reduces the penance required for sins. This was essentially a promise of forgiveness of sins and an assurance of a place in heaven.
Urban II, at the Council of Clermont in 1095, urged Christians from all walks of life to undertake an "armed pilgrimage" and promised that participating in the Crusade was a holy cause that could fulfill their vows of fighting for Christian principles and guarantee their entrance into heaven. Notably, the Crusading movement also eventually allowed crusaders to expect privileges such as protection of their property and relief from feudal dues or taxes.
The participation in the Crusades was not just an act of piety or a spiritual journey but was also laden with worldly incentives. These included the potential acquisition of land and wealth, particularly for those who participated in events such as the looting of Constantinople during the Fourth Crusade. However, the primary enticement offered by the Pope was the spiritual merit and the salvation it promised.