A catalyst for the hydrodesulfurization of hydrocarbons is disclosed. The catalyst comprises at least one metal selected from the metals of the Group VIB of the Periodic Table, the Group VIII of the Periodic Table and the Group VA of the Periodic Table, or oxides, sulfide or salts thereof, or a mixture thereof or a combined material thereof, and at least one rare earth metal compound supported on a refractory carrier. The catalyst according to the present invention has markedly higher desulfurization activities and a markedly longer catalyst life than the conventional catalysts, and hydrocarbons treated with the catalyst according to the present invention show little deterioration in hue and excellent hue stability for a long period of time.