Introduction: The Roman Catholic Church was the only strong, united force in the Middle Ages. The Church became very powerful and the head of the Church, the Pope, could force even kings and emperors to obey him. The Pope was always looking for ways to expand his power and he was even willing to go to war and fight to increase his control over the people in the world. One way the Pope sought to expand his power was by taking control of Jerusalem. Three major religions said that Jerusalem (in the land of Palestine) was their holy city: To Christians it is the place where Jesus was crucified and went to heaven. To Muslims it is the place where Mohammed went to heaven. To Jews it is the place of the ancient temple built by the King Solomon. 1. Why was taking control of Jerusalem important to the Pope?​