Disclosed is a hydrofining catalyst comprising: an inorganic refractory component comprising a first hydrodesulfurization catalytically active component in a mixture with at least one oxide selected from the group consisting of alumina, silica, magnesia, calcium oxide, zirconia and titania; a second hydrodesulfurization catalytically active component; and an organic component comprising a carboxylic acid and optionally an alcohol. The hydrofining catalyst of the present application shows improved performance in the hydrofining of distillate oils. Also disclosed are a hydrofining catalyst system comprising the hydrofining catalyst, a method for preparing the catalyst and catalyst system, and a process for the hydrofining of distillate oils using the catalyst or catalyst system.