What work became a favored theological text of the Catholic Church during the Middle Ages?

The work that became a favored theological text of the Catholic Church during the Middle Ages is the "Summa Theologiae." Written by St. Thomas Aquinas in the 13th century, this comprehensive text systematically outlines Christian theology and philosophy. It addresses fundamental questions of existence, morality, and the nature of God, making it instrumental for understanding Catholic doctrine.

The "Summa Theologiae" is particularly noteworthy for its Socratic method of questioning and answering, which reflects a synthesis of Aristotelian philosophy with Christian theology. This method allowed it to serve as a foundational text for theological education and was widely used in universities.

The other texts mentioned have significant cultural or literary merit but do not hold the same theological authority within the Catholic Church. "The Consolation of Philosophy," written by Boethius, explores philosophical themes but does not specifically address Christian theology to the extent that Aquinas does. "The Divine Comedy," while a monumental work of literature that explores themes of sin and redemption, is more allegorical than doctrinal. "The Decameron," a collection of stories by Giovanni Boccaccio, focuses on social and moral tales that reflect human experiences, rather than serving as a theological guide.