He is SO revered, in fact, that a Papal encyclical was written about him (Studiorum Ducem,” June 29, 1923 by Pius XI) and many others referenced him as source of Truth and as defense against heresy and modernism (i.e. Humani Generis, Pascendi Dominici Gregis)
Both of those great documents even go as far as saying those who DO NOT adhere to St. Thomas UNDERMINE the foundation of Catholic Doctrine.
"2322 [DS 3894] If these matters are thoroughly examined, it will be evident why the Church demands that future priests be instructed in the philosophic disciplines “according to the manner, doctrine, and principles of the Angelic Doctor,” since it knows well from the experience of many ages that the method and system of Aquinas, whether in training beginners or investigating hidden truth, stand out with special prominence; moreover, that his doctrine is in harmony, as in a kind of symphony, with divine “revelation,” and is most efficacious in laying safe foundations of faith, and also in collecting usefully and securely the fruits of sound progress."
(Some False Opinions that Threaten to Undermine the Foundations of Catholic Doctrine: From the Encyclical, “Humani generis,” August 12, 1950)
But the greatest honor to St. Thomas Aquinas, I believe, was expressed by Pope Leo XIII
" The ecumenical councils, also, where blossoms the flower of all earthly wisdom, have always been careful to hold Thomas Aquinas in singular honor. In the Councils of Lyons, Vienna, Florence, and the Vatican one might almost say that Thomas took part and presided over the deliberations and decrees of the Fathers, contending against the errors of the Greeks, of heretics and rationalists, with invincible force and with the happiest results. But the chief and special glory of Thomas, one which he has shared with none of the Catholic Doctors, is that the Fathers of Trent made it part of the order of conclave to lay upon the altar, together with sacred Scripture and the decrees of the supreme Pontiffs, the Summa of Thomas Aquinas, whence to seek counsel, reason, and inspiration" (Pope Leo XIII, ʻAeterni Patrisʻ, 1879)
WOW! The Fathers of the GREAT council of Trent in order to ʻseek counsel, reason, and inspirationʻ had three things upon the Altar 1)The Holy Scriptures 2)The Decrees of the Roman Pontiffs AND 3) St. Thomasʻ Summa Theologica!
There should be no doubt that when we have a question about our Catholic Faith, ask the Angelic Doctor!
image from the 'Public domain' via wikimedia commons. St. Thomas Aquinas, by Carlo Crivelli
