church versus state

His films like 'The Gospel According to St. Matthew' and 'Salò' provocatively examine religious authority, state power, and their corrupting influences on society.

He relentlessly satirized both ecclesiastical institutions and political regimes throughout his career, most notably in 'Viridiana' and 'The Exterminating Angel.'

His films explore the collision between religious morality and state/institutional power, particularly in 'Silence,' 'The Last Temptation of Christ,' and 'Taxi Driver.'