Christian leaders sought to halt expansion of Islamic empires and spread Christian teachings was

The statement you provided seems to be incomplete. However, it appears to be referring to the motivations behind the Crusades, a series of religious wars in the Middle Ages.

1. The expansion of Islamic empires: By the late 11th century, the Seljuk Turks, who were Muslim, had taken control of Jerusalem and much of the Holy Land. This was a threat to the Byzantine Empire, which was Christian. The Byzantine emperor appealed to Pope Urban II for help, leading to the First Crusade.

2. Spreading Christian teachings: The Crusades were also motivated by a desire to spread Christianity. Pope Urban II saw the Crusades as a way to redirect the violence of European knights towards a "righteous" cause. He promised forgiveness of sins for those who went on a Crusade, which was a powerful incentive in a deeply religious society.

3. Halting the expansion of Islamic empires: The Crusaders aimed to reclaim the Holy Land from Muslim control. This was not just a matter of religious faith, but also of political and economic power. The Holy Land was a key trade route and held significant strategic value.

4. The Crusades were a complex series of events with many causes and effects. They were not solely about halting the expansion of Islamic empires or spreading Christian teachings, but these were significant factors.