The Catholic Church's portrayals of Muslims during the Crusades had a significant political impact. The Church used propaganda to vilify Muslims and reinforce the idea of religious warfare. This helped to rally support for the Crusades and justify the violence committed against Muslims. By portraying Muslims as infidels and enemies of Christianity, the Church aimed to unite Christians under a common cause and strengthen its own political power. Furthermore, these portrayals fueled an atmosphere of fear and hostility towards Muslims, creating a lasting legacy of mistrust and prejudice that continues to shape political and social interactions between Muslims and non-Muslims today.
