Abstract: An improved hydrotreating catalyst, and a process for using thereof, comprises a conventional Group VIA and Group VIIIA metal oxide or metal sulfide, deposited on an inorganic refractory support and about 0.1% by weight to about 7% by weight of the catalyst of a promoter comprising a halogenated metal selected from the Group consisting of halogenated metals of Group IB, IIB, IIIB, titanium and tin. The presence of the promoter results in greater degree of desulfurization and in CCR reduction of hydrocarbon feedstocks, especially highly aromatic petroleum residue and synthetically-derived hydrocarbons, e.g., coal liquids.