diff --git a/appy/pod/renderer.py b/appy/pod/renderer.py
index 8f54a8c..f45af11 100644
--- a/appy/pod/renderer.py
+++ b/appy/pod/renderer.py
@@ -72,7 +72,7 @@ DOC_WRONG_FORMAT = 'Format "%s" is not supported.'
 WARNING_FINALIZE_ERROR = 'Warning: error while calling finalize function. %s'
 
 # Default automatic text styles added by pod in content.xml
-f = open('%s/styles.in.content.xml' % os.path.dirname(appy.pod.__file__))
+f = open('%s/styles.in.content.xml' % os.path.dirname(appy.pod.__file__), encoding='utf8')
 CONTENT_POD_STYLES = f.read()
 f.close()