Why did urban 2 launch the crusades?

Pope Urban II launched the Crusades in 1095 primarily to reclaim the Holy Land, particularly Jerusalem, from Muslim control. He aimed to unite Christians in Europe against a common enemy and believed that this would also strengthen the Church's influence and authority. Additionally, Urban sought to address internal conflicts among Christian states and encourage knights to channel their aggression towards a religious cause, thereby promoting peace in Europe. The call for Crusade was framed as a pilgrimage, offering spiritual rewards and absolution for sins to those who participated.