Process for the removal in continuous of hydrogen sulfide from gaseous streams containing it, comprising: a) putting a gas containing H.sub.2S in contact with an oxidizing acid aqueous solution of ferric nitrate and containing a heteropolyacid having redox properties; b) filtrating and separating the sulfur produced by the redox reaction; c) oxidizing the ferrous nitrate to ferric nitrate with air; d) recycling the solution containing ferric nitrate and heteropolyacid to the oxidation step (a); e) subjecting the gaseous stream leaving the oxidation reactor (c) to washing with the reduced solution; and f) discharging the gaseous stream.