A sulfur sorber for the reduction of gaseous sulfur compounds, e.g., H2S, in a gas stream The sulfur sorber, e.g., zinc oxide, is present in the form of one or more layers on the surface of a monolith carrier, e.g., cordierite. The layers have a total thickness of at least 3 g/in3 of the carrier. Preferably, the sorber is present in the form of at least three layers on the surface of the monolith carrier.