A method for the preparation of catalysts for heteroatom removal, particularly sulfur, from petroleum and synthetic fuel feedstocks. The catalyst is comprised of at least one Group VIII metal, and at least one Group VI metal, on a refractory support. The present method for preparing said catalysts comprises impregnating the Group VIII metal onto the refractory support by use of a Group VIII metal salt of an acid, and impregnating the Group VI metal onto the support by way of a Group VI heteropolyacid, wherein the acid comprising the salt of the Group VIII metal is less acidic than the heteropolyacid. The catalysts are then subjected to a heat treatment which includes a first phase wherein the catalyst is dried of free water and a second phase wherein the catalyst is heated to a temperature up to about 300.degree. C. at a heating rate from about 0.15.degree. C./min to about 15.degree. C./min.