Catalytic combustion, which permits to burn lean fuel/air mixtures is the key to environmentally preferable utilization of natural gas as an energy source and to removal of organic combustible gases from industrial effluents. The range of potential applications of catalytic combustion is large and can vary in temperatures of operation. Successful wide implementation of existing and of new catalytic combustion technologies will largely depend on the availability of suitable low cost catalytic materials. Since no single material can meet all demands, development of new catalysts needs to be orchestrated with the specific requirements of a given technology. The challenge is to combine existing knowledge and expertise in the area of combustion catalysts with innovations in their synthesis, improved formulations and applications in new specific composite forms. This paper outlines the current state of art and then focuses on perovskites for applications below 1,000 K. Examples of highly active formulations and of further enhancement of their activity through controlled synthesis and suitable support combinations are given. Criteria for the design of highly performing materials for high temperature catalytic combustion are also presented.