Go read up on the Northern Crusades before
making up your mind on how noble they were.
Yes, I've read about them.
However, no matter how brave one fights and dies...apart from faith in Christ there is no Heaven.
Even if one just dies a regular death...apart from faith in Christ there is no Heaven.
It doesn't matter what the pope or anyone else says in this matter. He cannot contradict Scripture and grant remission of sins to unbelievers of Christ.