H.sub.2S-containing gases, particularly such gases at elevated pressure, are treated to remove H.sub.2S by reaction in a liquid medium with SO.sub.2, the SO.sub.2 being present in stoichiometric excess with respect to the H.sub.2S. The SO.sub.2 is produced by combustion of sulfur, preferably sulfur produced in the reaction between H.sub.2S and SO.sub.2, preferably with oxygen. The process produces a treated gas that is substantially free of both H.sub.2S and SO.sub.2. An acid-gas absorber/stripper system or other system typically found in such processes to raise or concentrate the H.sub.2S level in the gas to be treated, is not needed in operations according to the invention.