Which organization was formed in 1099 during the First Crusade and provided hospitality and care to pilgrims?

• A. Knights Hospitalers of St. John of Jerusalem
• B. Knights Templar
• C. Daughters of Charity
• D. Sisters of Mercy

Answer: (A)

A group formed to care for travelers and pilgrims in the Holy Land during the First Crusade. The Knights Hospitallers of St. John of Jerusalem started as a hospital community around 1099, dedicated to sheltering, feeding, and tending the sick and injured who arrived in Jerusalem. Their mission of hospitality earned them the name Hospitallers, and over time they also took on military duties to protect pilgrims and the Crusader states. The other options arose later and had different primary roles: the Knights Templar came about a decade later with a focus on protection and military support, while the Daughters of Charity and Sisters of Mercy are 17th–19th century charitable orders.