Abstract: The invention relates to a catalyst for the conversion of gases and higher hydrocarbons, which comprises with an active metal coating containing lanthanum and cobalt as active metal components on a porous oxidic support substance, wherein the coating is formed by impregnating the support substance with a solution of thermally easily decomposable lanthanum and cobalt salts and subsequently baking, whereby the metal coating contains 1 part cobalt and 1-3 parts, preferably 2 parts, lanthanum, as well as 2 to 20 weight percent of cerium based on the sum of these materials.