Non Parum Animus Noster

<p><em>Non Parum Animus Noster</em> is a papal bull issued by Pope Alexander III in September of 1171 to promote a military venture against the Estonian tribes. He calls upon the various Christian kingdoms of the the North Denmark Sweden and Norway to organize their efforts to neutralize this pagan threat. This document stands as one of the earliest known references to the 'Northern Crusade' which maybe have begun some two decades earlier under King Eric IX of Sweden. This work represents the expansion of Papal authority in the Nordic realms but takes caution not to mention specific reigning monarchs.</p>