Hydrogen sulfide and its precursors can be selectively sorbed from gas streams containing same by contacting the gas stream at elevated temperatures with a regenerable sorbent comprising a supported or unsupported lanthanum or rare earth metal component. Subsequent to sorption, the sorbent may be desorbed and regenerated by treatment with steam (desorption) and an oxidizing gas (regeneration). The sorbent capacity may be increased by the use of alkali or alkaline earth metal components as promoters.