Pope Urban II (; – 29 July 1099), born
Odo of Châtillon or
Otho de Lagery, was
pope from 12 March 1088 to his death in 1099. He is best known for initiating the
First Crusade (1096–99) and setting up the modern-day
Roman Curia in the manner of a royal ecclesiastical court to help run the Church.