Abstract: A method is provided for preparing a porous catalyst carrier having a pore volume of at least 0.5 cc/g, a content of micropores in which the pore diameter is between 80 and 150 A. which constitutes at least 70% of the pore volume and a content of macropores which constitutes less than 3% of the pore volume. In the method, a powdered solid comprised of predominantly alpha-alumina monohydrate and sized in the range below 500 microns is treated with a particular amount of a monobasic acid. The acid in the resulting mixture is then at least partially neutralized by admixing with a nitrogen base such as aqueous ammonia. The treated and neutralized feed is converted into a catalyst carrier by shaping as desired, drying, and calcining. Further aspects of the invention are a hydrodesulfurization catalyst prepared using the present carrier and a hydrodesulfurization process for metals-contaminated hydrocarbon feeds using the catalyst.