A catalyst for the treatment of exhaust gas emissions is disclosed. The catalyst can comprise ceria-alumina particles having a ceria phase present in a weight percent of the composite in the range of about 20% to about 80% on an oxide basis, an alkaline earth metal component supported on the ceria-alumina particles, wherein the CeO2 is present in the form of crystallites that are hydrothermally stable and have an average crystallite size less than 160 Å after aging at 950° C. for 5 hours in 2% O2 and 10% steam in N2.