Reduction of SO.sub.2 with coal

A continuous process for the reduction of sulfur dioxide to sulfur comprising introducing steam and a sulfur dioxide-containing off-gas in a mole ratio of steam to SO.sub.2 of from 2 to 3 into a reactor containing coal and maintained at a temperature which will convert the sulfur dioxide to sulfur, said temperature being from 1150.degree. F. to 1550.degree. F., contacting said sulfur dioxide-containing off-gas and said steam with said coal in said reactor and withdrawing sulfur from said reactor.