A process for purifying a light hydrocarbon stream containing H.sub.2S is disclosed in which the selective catalytic partial oxidation of the H.sub.2S component is carried out while the hydrocarbon components slip through substantially unconverted. A catalyst that favors the partial oxidation of H.sub.2S over conversion of the hydrocarbon component of a gaseous H.sub.2S-light hydrocarbon mixture is employed. Apparatus for selectively cleaning up light hydrocarbon streams containing low concentrations (e.g., less than 25 vol. %), and apparatus for selectively cleaning up light hydrocarbon streams having higher concentrations (e.g., greater than 25 vol. %) of H.sub.2S are also disclosed.